Turning Talk Into Tangible Data Maggie Gillespie & Chris Gregory The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Learning Objectives Understand the purpose and daily implementation of Connections at UNCG Learn ways to collect and use qualitative data Be exposed to qualitative data mapping software, and see how it can be useful in reporting Learn to utilize collected data to impact residence life/student affairs operations

Agenda Connections at UNCG ◦ How it works ◦ Purpose of Connections ◦ Benefits of Connections ◦ What we learned Activity and Discussion Software – Data Mapping Impact of Connections Impact for Your Campus

What is Connections? Tool to document student interactions Online Google Doc

What is Connections?

Tool to document student interactions Online Google Doc Designed as a way to ensure all students are being reached Attempt to Quantify what RAs do (to a limited degree) Helps senior staff see what’s happening in the residence halls

Connections Started in 2011 as a response to EBI and student feedback Many bumps and bruises Took a while to catch on Only started looking to use data (comprehensive) in 2013 Based on Core Values

Connections - Purpose Staff members (RAs and other student staff) input information Shows their interactions with residents Goal of three per resident, per semester Not just facts about the student, must show connection

Connections - Benefits Quick reference for those without a great memory Provides insight to student’s involvement, or lack thereof, on the floor Interactions with staff members Connects residents to other residents Connects residents to RAs Connects residents to the CRL (Hall Director) Connects residents to resources

BUT WHAT TO DO WITH ALL THAT DATA?

Massive amounts of qualitative data Initially, we didn’t have a plan for data after collection Seemed like a waste Talked to the ERM department (stat people) Learned about nVivo

CLIFFHANGER/ ACTIVITY

Activity Work with a colleague or two (or five). Talk about qualitative data you have on your campus currently, or what you could easily collect. We will share as a group, in five minutes.

nVivo And What We Learned

There are other options ATLAS ti QSR Audience Dialogue Others

nVivo Takes massive amounts of data and looks for trends Can Tell You: ◦ Trends ◦ How a topic is being discussed ◦ Frequency of a topic ◦ Relationship from one topic to another ◦ Much more

nVivo Wordtree

What we learned How to make Connections better What our staff were talking to residents about What our residents were saying What we were missing How we could make our department better

Impact Informed our work ◦ Pro Staff Training ◦ RA Training ◦ Programming Helped interpret EBI data Helped us provide a better student experience

TAKING IT BACK TO YOUR CAMPUS What kind of info do you want to gather? Look for what you’re already doing Work smarter, not harder! Who can help? Colleagues, campus partners, student staff, central office workers, etc.

QUESTIONS?